Suicide

OVERALL TRENDS Australia: 2213 suicides in in The Australian suicide rate in 2003 was 24% lower than in Western Australia: 246 suicides in 2002, 314 suicides in The male suicide death rate is four times higher than the corresponding female rate. 25% of male deaths between the ages of 20 and 35.

Australian Rate of Suicide for Males and Females,

Aboriginality Suicide rates amongst Aboriginal males were more than double those of all males in the State. Aboriginal female suicide is rare. Psychiatric Disorders One third of male suicides and just over a half of female suicides were found to have suffered from a diagnosed psychiatric disorder in the 12 months prior to their death. These include: Depression, Schizophrenia, Substance misuse, Personality disorders.

Geography Kimberley and Goldfields Health Zones at 1.9 and 1.5 times greater risk. This reflects the higher risk for aboriginality and young males in these areas.

Assessing Risk of Suicide More than half of all males and 80% of females who completed suicide, sought some form of professional help in the 12 months prior to their death. Increased alcohol and other drug use frequently occurs in the period before suicide.

Assessing Risk of Suicide Male stressors: relationship breakdown psychiatric disorder drug abuse financial problems Female stressors: psychiatric illness relationship breakdown, issues with family / friends physical illness

Suicide and Marital Status Marital statusMales%RatesFemales%Rates Never married100747% %9.2 Married73434% %4.6 Divorced23711% %14.5 Widowed603% %6.4 De facto/ unknown1125%-184%- Total2,150533

Australian Suicide Age and Gender Distribution 1993 and 2003